{"id":20119,"date":"2019-03-28T08:10:51","date_gmt":"2019-03-28T14:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=20119"},"modified":"2025-02-05T22:46:58","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T05:46:58","slug":"the-little-onion-astlais-mountain-the-big-onion-babine-mountains-british-columbia-canada-8-8-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=20119","title":{"rendered":"The Little Onion, Astlais Mountain & The Big Onion, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada (8-8-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part of Day 5 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

This had to be it, didn’t it?\u00a0 Two short gravel roads had led up a forested embankment on the N side of Old Babine Lake Road to opposite ends of a big level area, which certainly looked like a trailhead.\u00a0 Absolutely no one around, though.\u00a0 Not even one other vehicle here.\u00a0 SPHP parked the G6 (11:27 AM, 68\u00b0F)<\/em>, and Lupe hopped out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe arrives at the Onion Mountain trailhead off Old Babine Lake Road E of Smithers, British Columbia. The Onion Mountain trail starts out as the jeep trail seen beyond her. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A jeep trail disappeared into the forest from the NE end of the parking area.\u00a0 This was a trailhead, alright.\u00a0 A sign warned about avalanches, a threat not particularly high on Lupe’s worry list in early August.\u00a0 At each of the entrance roads were signs saying user fees were in effect, and trail passes were mandatory.\u00a0 Upon closer inspection, it appeared these rules only applied to snowmobilers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Avalanches? Nah, not in August.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of the signs posted at both entrances to the trailhead. Upon closer inspection, the rules about fees and mandatory trail passes only pertained to snowmobilers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This must be the place, but would be nice to confirm it before wandering off up the jeep trail.\u00a0 Looper and SPHP took a stroll back down to Old Babine Lake Road.\u00a0 Ah, yes!\u00a0 A sign was posted up on the embankment.\u00a0 Although looking for a sign on the way in, SPHP hadn’t seen it.\u00a0 No doubt at all now.\u00a0 Lupe was definitely at the Onion Mountain trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Although looking for a sign, SPHP had missed this one along Old Babine Lake Road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had barely left the trailhead when a colorful billboard appeared in the forest.\u00a0 Posted by the Smithers Snowmobile Association, it was all about The Big Onion Snowmobile trails.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This colorful billboard was in the forest not far from the trailhead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The billboard only served to confirm that Loopster was on the correct route.\u00a0 Her peakbagging objective for the day was to reach the summit of The Little Onion<\/span><\/a> (5,220 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 If that went well, maybe she could try for Astlais Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,037 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and The Big Onion<\/span><\/a> (5,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, too.<\/p>\n

The road climbed steeply through the forest. Loopster had taken a trail to the top of Harvey Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,083 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which was actually in Babine Mountains Provincial Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> nearly a year ago.\u00a0 Back then she had gained something like 2,000 feet of elevation on the Harvey Mountain trail before the forest had thinned enough to get any distant views.<\/p>\n

Since Harvey Mountain wasn’t too many miles NW of The Little Onion, SPHP suspected Lupe once again had a long climb ahead of her before she might see much of anything other than the forest.\u00a0 In fact, since The Little Onion was more than 800 feet lower than Harvey Mountain, the big worry was that the summit itself might be heavily forested.\u00a0 Even if Lupe could get there, she might not see a thing.<\/p>\n

However, Lupe had only gained a few hundred feet of elevation when the road entered an area where the forest was much more open.\u00a0 She was already getting mountain views to the S and W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hey, look! We’re already out in the open where we can see.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The relentlessly steep march along the road combined with mid-day sun quickly made the day feel hot.\u00a0 Whenever SPHP paused to catch breath, Lupe found shady spots to hide out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gets warm out even way up here in the Babine Mountains of British Columbia in August.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Skies were mostly clear with only a few small clouds, but off to the SE the air was hazy with the smoke of distant forest fires.\u00a0 Yesterday Lupe had traveled hundreds of miles through that smoke.\u00a0 SPHP had driven out of it only a little while ago this morning.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
To the SE the sky was hazy with the smoke of distant forest fires.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The topo map SPHP had with showed a network of trails or routes in this region, none of which were labeled.\u00a0 As Lupe progressed higher, though, it became clear that this road was definitely one of the routes shown on the map.\u00a0 That was encouraging.<\/p>\n

Lupe began coming to places where, according to the map, there were supposed to be intersections.\u00a0 The intersecting routes were frequently overgrown, or faded beyond recognition.\u00a0 Even when these alternate roads actually existed, the route SPHP hoped Looper could take up the Little Onion was consistently in better condition than anything else.\u00a0 And that was very encouraging!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
1,841 feet of elevation gain to the summit of The Little Onion from the trailhead. So far, so good!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo had made substantial progress up the mountain when there was another encouraging development.\u00a0 Many hundreds of feet higher, what looked like it must be the summit of The Little Onion came into view.\u00a0 Although dense forest extended most of the way to the top, the summit appeared to be open ground.\u00a0 Lupe might actually have some fabulous views from up there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The summit of The Little Onion<\/strong> comes into view. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Around 1300 meters (4,265 ft.) elevation, a large shut metal gate similar to one Lupe had seen at Harvey Mountain blocked the road to vehicle traffic.\u00a0 Beyond this gate, the road leveled out in a thickly forested area.\u00a0 This flat stretch led to a signed junction at around 1320 meters (4,331 ft.).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at the first signed junction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Only 1.5 km left to go to The Little Onion!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe went L taking the Little Onion Trail.\u00a0 The trail, which was still a road, went through a beautiful forest.\u00a0 The road began climbing again and gradually deteriorated.\u00a0 Although the trailhead was S of The Little Onion, the trail passed well E of the summit before finally arriving at a saddle a short distance NNE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back along the beautifully forested Little Onion Trail. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the saddle, Lupe could see Astlais<\/span> Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6037 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and The Big Onion<\/span><\/a> (5,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> off to the N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the saddle NNE of the summit of The Little Onion. Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (L) and The Big Onion<\/strong> (Center) are in view for the first time. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Little Onion Trail was quite rocky by the time it reached the saddle.\u00a0 The trail continued over the saddle going NW down the other side.\u00a0 A much rougher spur road left the saddle heading SSW toward the summit of The Little Onion<\/span><\/a> (5,220 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which was only another 100 feet higher.\u00a0 The spur ended close to the top.\u00a0 Lupe finished her ascent with a short, easy stroll.<\/p>\n

The Little Onion’s summit was an open ridge covered with grasses and small stones.\u00a0 The ridge was 20 or 30 feet long, big enough to provide plenty of room to move around.\u00a0 A few stunted trees grew at slightly lower levels along the flanks.\u00a0 None were tall enough to interfere with the marvelous views in all directions.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the top of The Little Onion<\/strong>. The big rock on top is actually SPHP’s pack. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After SPHP congratulated Lupe on reaching The Little Onion, it was time for a look around.\u00a0 The most eye-catching view was of Hudson Bay Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,494 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> off to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (R) from The Little Onion<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the SW, a line of snowy peaks looked equally rugged, but they were far away.\u00a0 Notable peaks were off the NW, too, but they were even more distant.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking SW toward another range of rugged, snowy peaks (L) on the horizon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
These unfamiliar peaks had quite a large glacier hidden up among them. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW at even more distant peaks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the N, was a terrific view of Astlais Mountain and The Big Onion.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looper at the absolute highest point on The Little Onion. Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (Center) and The Big Onion<\/strong> (R) in the background. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Astlais Mountain<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Big Onion<\/strong>. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Views to the S and E were pretty, but less dramatic.\u00a0 Mostly big forested hills and ridges.\u00a0 A SW wind was blowing, which SPHP welcomed, since mosquitoes and small flies had at times been bothersome on the way up.\u00a0 Lupe could see smoke to the SE drifting many miles NE on the breeze.<\/p>\n

A small loosely constructed cairn sat 10 or 15 feet SW of the highest ground.\u00a0 The weather was ideal, 60\u00b0F and mostly sunny.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP were both glad to take a break and enjoy the views for a while.\u00a0 SPHP draped a jacket over Loop, since she wasn’t a fan of the wind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Llama Lake<\/strong> from The Little Onion<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mt. McKendrick (5,7515 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The other side of the high, barren ridge at Center overlooks Four Lakes Basin in Babine Mountains Provincial Park. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The smoky region to the SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More than half an hour passed by at the summit of The Little Onion.\u00a0 The American Dingo’s ascent had gone surprisingly well.\u00a0 The possibility of going on to The Big Onion and Astlais Mountain had always been there.\u00a0 However, at first, they had looked much higher and far away.\u00a0 The longer SPHP contemplated the view, though, the easier it appeared.<\/p>\n

Glimpses of roads could be seen on the ridge leading over to The Big Onion, and the map showed a road going up to the high saddle between The Big Onion and Astlais Mountain.\u00a0 Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to go back down to the Little Onion Trail, and follow it NW down the other side of the nearby saddle?\u00a0 That was the right direction, and according to the signs Lupe had seen, the Little Onion Trail was supposed to link up with the Big Onion Trail again.<\/p>\n

Perfect day.\u00a0 Why not?\u00a0 May as well try it.\u00a0 Now or never, in any case!\u00a0 A last look around from The Little Onion, then Lupe headed back down the rough spur road to the Little Onion Trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Since we’re about to leave The Little Onion, thought we’d sneak in one more peak at this great view of Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (R)!<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Last moments atop The Little Onion<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look at Lupe’s new objectives. Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (Center) and The Big Onion<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back on the Little Onion Trail<\/strong> at the saddle a little NNE of The Little Onion’s summit. Photo looks SE back the way Lupe originally came up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the Little Onion Trail again, Lupe followed it NW.\u00a0 The road lost elevation in fits and starts.\u00a0 The trail divided unexpectedly, causing confusion, but merged again almost immediately.\u00a0 The trail then turned N near the start of the ridge leading to The Big Onion.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading NW on the Little Onion Trail<\/strong>. Astlais Mountain<\/strong> on the R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instead of going N directly up the ridgeline, the road stayed lower along the E side of the ridge in a heavily forested area.\u00a0 The trail was level, or nearly so, along in here.\u00a0 Before too long, Lupe reached a junction with the Big Onion Trail.<\/p>\n

This junction was the official end of the Little Onion Trail.\u00a0 Looper kept going N, now taking the Big Onion Trail toward Alpine Meadows.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sign at the end of the Little Onion Trail. Lupe kept going N toward Alpine Meadows.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little farther on, the Carolina Dog reached another signed junction.\u00a0 This was the critical one!\u00a0 Lupe had no intention of going all the way to Alpine Meadows.\u00a0 That wasn’t the way to Astlais Mountain or The Big Onion.<\/p>\n

At this second junction, a road went W back up onto the ridge leading to The Big Onion.\u00a0 The sign said this road was the Astlais Mountain Trail.\u00a0 The pass below Astlais Mountain was 1.4 km away.<\/p>\n

Great news!\u00a0 That was exactly where Lupe needed to go!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sign at the critical junction. Lupe abandoned the Big Onion Trail in favor of the Astlais Mountain Trail here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So Lupe abandoned The Big Onion Trail, and took the Astlais Mountain Trail W up onto the ridge.\u00a0 Once on the ridge, the road turned N, then subsequently deteriorated to the point where it would be impassable for any vehicle other than an ATV, or perhaps a snowmobile in winter.<\/p>\n

The trail did go on, however, and went through a low area where Lupe came to the only water to be found all day.\u00a0 A trickle of a stream formed from little seeping springs ran over the road here, just enough for the Carolina Dog to get a drink.\u00a0 Beyond this point the trail gained elevation at a moderate pace, heading NNW along the SW slope of The Big Onion, but still far below the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Astlais Mountain Trail<\/strong> along SW slopes of The Big Onion. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward The Little Onion<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looper on the Astlais Mountain Trail<\/strong>. The Little Onion<\/strong> at Center. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> from the Astlais Mountain Trail. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Worries that the trail might fade away completely proved unfounded.\u00a0 A much better road soon came in from somewhere off to the SW, and swung sharply around continuing toward the high saddle between The Big Onion and Astlais Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Luck of the Dingo again! This road will get us up to the pass!<\/em> Photo looks NW at Astlais Mountain<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The new road promptly began climbing at an incredible pace along the very steep W slopes of The Big Onion.\u00a0 Lupe had no troubles, but SPHP lost traction on any loose debris to the point where walking wherever the ground looked firmest, or in piles of loose rock thick enough to offer at least some support, became standard practice.<\/p>\n

The mere thought of being in a vehicle going up or down this road was rather frightening to contemplate.\u00a0 Being on paw and foot was certainly much better, even if the long trudge higher was exhausting.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Well, it is a mountain road, SPHP! What did you expect?<\/em> Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Whew! That was sort of steep, wasn’t it? Glad that’s over with!<\/em> Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a huge relief when the road finally began to level out.\u00a0 Lupe had made it to the high pass between Astlais Mountain and The Big Onion!\u00a0 Beyond the pass, she could see higher peaks to the N for the first time.\u00a0 Those peaks were in Babine Mountains Provincial Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
We’ve made it to the end of the Astlais Mountain Trail! Those mountains to the N are in Babine Mountains Provincial Park.<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a rest break, the only question now was which to climb first – The Big Onion or Astlais Mountain?\u00a0 Both looked like big hills, basically easy climbs from here.\u00a0 The Big Onion was closer and lower.\u00a0 After initially starting that way, SPHP changed the plan.<\/p>\n

Still a lovely day, but more clouds were present than only a little while ago.\u00a0 Maybe Lupe ought to take on Astlais Mountain first?\u00a0 Would be nice to get the higher peak in case the weather deteriorated fast enough to prevent the American Dingo from visiting both.\u00a0 Whatever!<\/em>\u00a0 Lupe was fine with that.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the time Lupe was getting close to the high saddle, The Big Onion<\/strong> (Center) wasn’t that much higher. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Astlais Mountain<\/strong> looks like just a big hill from here!<\/em> Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Astlais Mountain<\/strong> from the high saddle. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So Lupe charged up the E slope of Astlais Mountain, while SPHP plodded higher.\u00a0 It hadn’t looked this steep!\u00a0 Nevertheless, this was just a big grassy trudge until fairly close to the top.\u00a0 The terrain then began to get rockier as the slope decreased.\u00a0 The huge summit region was somewhat complex with various rocky knobs and ridges among areas of tundra or bare ground consisting of small loose rock.<\/p>\n

It wasn’t immediately clear where the summit was, but a big cairn was soon spotted well W of where Lupe had come up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe already reaching the easy terrain close to the top of Astlais Mountain<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Which way do you think, SPHP? Gotta be one of these rocky high points, but which one?<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Oh, I think I see it! There’s a big cairn (R) over this way!<\/em> Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe near the summit. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Yes, this is it! Almost there!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The weather hadn’t deteriorated at all during the time it took Lupe to reach the big summit cairn on Astlais Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,037 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 60\u00b0F with a 10 to 15 mph SW breeze, just like at The Little Onion.\u00a0 A beautiful day!\u00a0 Which was great news.\u00a0 Lupe could stay a while!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop reaches the summit of Astlais Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop at the summit cairn. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (L) from Astlais Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look showing more of the W end of the summit area. Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (Center R) beyond Lupe. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A closer look at the W portion of the greater summit area. Lupe didn’t venture all the way over there. Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> on the R. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Here’s the last stretch of the summit region the way we came up!<\/em> Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hudson Bay Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,494 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the other rugged more distant peaks to the SW and NW were all just as beautiful and interesting as they had been from The Little Onion, but the views really weren’t much different in those directions from Astlais Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> from Astlais Mountain<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Part of Tyhee Lake<\/strong> (the larger lake R of Center) near Telkwa is in view. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Rugged peaks far to the SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Little Onion<\/span><\/a> (5,220 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which had seemed such an impressive high point only a short while ago, looked small and much lower from Astlais Mountain.\u00a0 Lupe could see part of The Little Onion trail on the N slopes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Little Onion<\/strong> (Center) did look little from Astlais Mountain. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Little Onion with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Smoke from the forest fires to the S could be seen actually billowing up.\u00a0 The wind must still have been out of the SW way over there, too.\u00a0 A huge plume was drifting NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A huge plume of smoke billows up (Center R) and drifts off to the NE (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Though Lupe had seen essentially these same views in most directions from The Little Onion, coming to Astlais Mountain had been worthwhile, for off to the N the scene was much different.\u00a0 The American Dingo now had a tremendous view of closer peaks in Babine Mountains Provincial Park (map<\/span><\/strong><\/a>).<\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP spent a long time gazing N at the splendors on display.\u00a0 SPHP knew the names of a few of the peaks.\u00a0 The Galleon<\/span><\/a> (7,844 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>was the most impressive from Astlais Mountain.\u00a0 SPHP scanned the horizon for Mount Cronin<\/span><\/a> (7,861 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and thought Lupe had a glimpse of it, though partially hidden by Mount Hyland (7,478 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe gazing across Ganokwa Basin<\/strong> toward the high peaks of the Babine Mountains<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Galleon<\/strong> (Center) was the most impressive peak Lupe saw from Astlais Mountain. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look across Ganokwa Basin<\/strong>. SPHP believes the high dark ridge at Center is Mount Hyland<\/strong>. The distant dark ridge L of Center which is only partially in view is likely part of Mount Cronin<\/strong>. The Galleon<\/strong> is at far L. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still looking NNE, but with help from the telephoto lens. Mount Cronin<\/strong> is the ridge in shadow L of Center. Mount Hyland<\/strong> is the dark ridge on the R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Perhaps a clearer view. Mount Cronin’s summit<\/strong> may be the distant sunlit little bump at Center. Mount Hyland<\/strong> at far R. Ganokwa Basin<\/strong> in the foreground. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Mount Hyland. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland<\/strong> on the L. The distant spire at Center is likely High Point 6470<\/span><\/strong> (1972 M). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The highest peaks weren’t the only ones of interest.\u00a0 Nearly a year ago Lupe had climbed Harvey Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,083 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which was off to the NNW.\u00a0 It would have been fun to see Harvey Mountain again, but as it turned out, Padella Peak (6,300 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Perhaps looking for Harvey Mountain, Lupe gazes across a deep canyon toward Padella Peak<\/strong> (L in foreground). Pyramid Mountain (6,234 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is the lower sunlit peak just to the R of Padella. The Galleon<\/strong> is in the distance at Center. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Padella Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Astlais Mountain. Pyramid Mountain<\/strong> in the foreground on the R. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Padella Peak<\/strong> (R). Lagopus Mountain (6,956 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) is in view beyond Padella. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Isn’t Astlais Mountain<\/strong> great? So much to see!<\/em> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lagopus Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Padella Peak<\/strong> (L), Pyramid Mountain<\/strong> (Center L), and The Galleon<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Astlais Mountain was a fantastic peak!\u00a0 Such a great day, and so much to see from here!\u00a0 50 glorious minutes shot by at the summit.\u00a0 If Lupe still wanted to visit The Big Onion, too, which she did, it was getting to be time to bid farewell to Astlais.\u00a0 A final look at the mighty Galleon, and the Carolina Dog was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Galleon<\/strong> (Center) from Astlais Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sadly, it’s time to leave Astlais Mountain<\/strong> if we’re going to visit The Big Onion, too. Our stay here has been splendid, hasn’t it?<\/em> Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at the summit of Astlais Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Astlais Mountain’s N ridge<\/strong> as seen from the summit is in the foreground. Lupe would head down this way after a quick jaunt to the R (S) for a view of The Big Onion before completing her descent. Mt. McKendrick<\/strong> is at far R. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back at the summit of Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (R). Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon leaving the summit cairn, Lupe headed E to a high point where she could look down on The Big Onion<\/span><\/a> (5,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 She then headed N a little way losing elevation gradually, before turning E and descending the much steeper slope to the saddle.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on the saddle leading to The Big Onion<\/strong> (R). Mt. McKendrick<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking back up at the summit of Astlais Mountain<\/strong> near the start of Lupe’s descent. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Big Onion<\/strong> (R) as seen before beginning the steepest part of the descent. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Won’t be long now! Soon we’ll be at the top of The Big Onion<\/strong>!<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once down, Lupe crossed the saddle and headed for The Big Onion.\u00a0 She followed a road part of the way, and eventually reached the ridgeline a little way N of the summit.\u00a0 An easy, short trek S along the narrow ridge brought the American Dingo to the top of The Big Onion<\/span><\/a> (5,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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This is it! We’ve arrived at the true summit of The Big Onion<\/strong>. Quite a view of Astlais Mountain<\/strong> behind me, isn’t it?<\/em> Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The absolute high point consisted of several medium-sized rocks amid tufts of brown grass.\u00a0 The summit was a mostly grassy area atop a rocky knob which dropped off steeply, though not precipitously.<\/p>\n

The Big Onion wasn’t high enough to give Lupe quite as grand a view of the heart of the Babine Mountains to the N as she’d had from Astlais Mountain.\u00a0 However, she could see more territory to the E, and the view of Astlais Mountain itself was quite interesting.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at the true summit of The Big Onion<\/strong>. Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View along The Big Onion’s N ridge. The Galleon<\/strong> is on the L. Mount Hyland<\/strong> on the R. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the NNE. Mount Hyland<\/strong> on the L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland<\/strong> (Center) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking over the saddle between The Big Onion and Astlais Mountain toward Padella Peak<\/strong> (Center). Pyramid Mountain<\/strong> is on the R with Lagopus Mountain<\/strong> peeping up between Padella and Pyramid. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking S. The Little Onion<\/strong> is on the L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Little Onion<\/strong> (Center) from The Big Onion<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A view of the entire saddle area between The Big Onion<\/strong> and Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (L). Padella Peak<\/strong> on the R. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop relaxing on The Big Onion summit<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mt. McKendrick<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Galleon<\/strong> (Center) from The Big Onion<\/strong>. Padella Peak<\/strong> (L) and Mount Hyland<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful Babine Mountains from the top of The Big Onion for half an hour.\u00a0 Her journey to Astlais Mountain and both Onions had been a huge success!\u00a0 The day had gone far better than SPHP had ever dared to hope.\u00a0 Evening was approaching, however.\u00a0 Lupe began the trek back to the Onion Mountain trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on The Big Onion<\/strong> shortly before departure. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s route back was the same one she’d taken up.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog and SPHP were both in high spirits.\u00a0 The return trip went fast.\u00a0 So fast, in fact, that Loop returned briefly to the summit of The Little Onion.\u00a0 Even after visiting The Big Onion and Astlais Mountain, The Little Onion was still an amazing place!\u00a0 And far to the S, the smoke of distant fires still billowed into the sky.<\/p>\n

Then it was down, down, all the way back to the trailhead.\u00a0 (7:26 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments atop The Big Onion<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hardy little tundra plants on The Big Onion’s N ridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Here we go again on the Astlais Mountain Trail! Thankfully we’re heading down this time.<\/em> Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Forest fires still burned as evening approached. Looking S from The Little Onion.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP stopped in Smithers for fuel and dinner from Safeway.\u00a0 Twilight was coming on by the time Lupe arrived at a big field along Yellowhead Hwy 16 S of Moricetown.\u00a0 Ancient picnic tables with white peeling paint stood on a bluff overlooking the Bulkley River.<\/p>\n

Despite her long afternoon in the Babine Mountains, the American Dingo was still energized.\u00a0 She raced around the G6 playing chase with SPHP, who was, as always, totally outmatched.\u00a0 Lupe was happy, oh, so very happy!\u00a0 And seeing her so, SPHP shared her joy.\u00a0 What a wonderful day this had been!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on The Little Onion<\/strong> again, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada 8-8-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Babine Mountains Provincial Park Map<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Babine Mountains Provincial Park Brochure<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Harvey Mountain, Babine Mountains Provincial Park, British Columbia,\u00a0 Canada (9-9-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Part of Day 5 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska! This had to be it, didn’t it?\u00a0 Two short gravel roads had led up a forested embankment on the N side of Old Babine Lake Road to opposite ends of a big level area, which certainly looked like a … Continue reading The Little Onion, Astlais Mountain & The Big Onion, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada (8-8-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20068,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[997],"tags":[105,1064,1060,971,79,30,106,26,104,1066,973,1065,1063],"class_list":["post-20119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-yukon-northwest-territiories-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-astlais-mountain","tag-babine-mountains","tag-babine-mountains-provincial-park","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-onion-mountain-trail","tag-smithers","tag-the-big-onion","tag-the-little-onion"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_0414.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=20119"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60505,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20119\/revisions\/60505"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/20068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}